Lady Jane Grey

1 portrait by Hans Holbein the Younger

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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Lady Jane Grey

by Magdalena de Passe, by Willem de Passe
engraving, published 1620
6 1/2 in. x 4 5/8 in. (164 mm x 116 mm) paper size
Given by Sir Herbert Henry Raphael, 1st Bt, 1913
Reference Collection
NPG D19952

Sitterback to top

Artistsback to top

  • Magdalena de Passe (1600-1638), Engraver. Artist or producer associated with 137 portraits, Sitter in 2 portraits.
  • Willem de Passe (1597 or 1598-1636 or 1637), Engraver. Artist or producer associated with 175 portraits.

This portraitback to top

This engraving was published in 1620 when it formed part of series of printed portraits called the Herologia. The series depicted Tudor and Jacobean monarchs, courtiers,and others, such as Protestant reformers. It was devised by the printer and book publisher Henry Holland who ensured his readers that the all the printed images derived only from true likeness taken from an original portrait.

The identity of most of the portraits in the Herologia can be regarded as trustworthy However, the source for this portrait of Lady Jane Grey remains in doubt and it is possible that the original portrait was misidentified.

Related worksback to top

Events of 1620back to top

Current affairs

The beginning of a severe economic depression in England is widely blamed on the East India Company whose export of bullion on each voyage financed their trade. Additionally, despite efforts by Lionel Cranfield, Earl of Middlesex, to reduce the royal household's expenditure, James I's debt is historically high.

Art and science

Francis Bacon publishes his major philosophical work Novum Organum, which presents his account of the correct method of acquiring natural knowledge using inductive reasoning.
Inventor and mechanical engineer, Cornelis Drebbel builds an early type of submarine which he demonstrates on the Thames.

International

The Catholic League's invasion of Bohemia and victory at the battle of the White Mountain, forces Frederick V, king of Bohemia and his family into exile in the Hague, after less than a year reigning.
The Pilgrim Fathers sail for America in the 'Mayflower', escaping religious persecution in England.

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